The annual Miss Universe Ireland competition is set to be a spectacular event this Friday, September 20th, at the Fairways Hotel in Dundalk, County Louth. 27 finalists from across the country will compete for the coveted Miss Universe Ireland crown, with the winner going on to represent Ireland at the 73rd Miss Universe final in Mexico City this November. This year’s event will feature a special guest performance from Irish chart-topping boyband, Next in Line.
The Miss Universe Organization (MUO) is a global, inclusive organization that celebrates all cultures, backgrounds, and religions. It creates a safe space for women to share their stories and drive impact personally, professionally, and philanthropically. For the first time ever, finalists can be married or divorced, they can be mothers or trans women, and there are no upper age limits or height requirements. Contestants from over 90 countries compete each year for the title of Miss Universe.
Miss Universe Ireland Finalists 2024
Here are a few of the finalists who are looking to make their mark on the competition:
Veronica Campelo
Veronica Campelo from Portlaoise is a 40-year-old mother of one who works in retail and is also an actress and model. She has a business degree and is passionate about supporting causes that are close to her heart. Campelo entered the world of pageantry in 2018 as a way to boost her confidence after a difficult breakup. Her journey has been one of personal growth and empowerment, and she hopes to inspire other women to embrace their strengths and pursue their dreams.
“I will always continue to dream big and live for today,” Veronica said. “I want to continue been an actress and model. I want to have and portray a positive influence on all woman who are going through a hard time at the moment.”
“I want to show that it is Ok to not be OK. I want to be an inspiration and role model for my 1 year old little girl. In this every changing world we now live in I want to show her the right path to grow up on and give her ever opportunity to fulfil her dreams. I want to continue to support the causes that are close to my heart. Its always a dream of mine to be able lead and help others in need and looking for advice in life.”
Órlaith Meehan
Órlaith Meehan, 24, from Maynooth, is a graduate of Trinity College Dublin, where she studied Middle Eastern Studies. She also works as an Irish language influencer with over 11,000 followers. Meehan is passionate about gender equality and hopes to use her platform to promote inclusivity and empower women in all aspects of life. She has also been vocal about the importance of education and the positive impact it can have on individuals and communities.
Faiza Kanjaoui
Faiza Kanjaoui, 26, is a fully qualified dentist from Kilkenny. She holds a Master’s in Oral Reconstructive surgery and Implantology and volunteered as a dentist in Vietnam in 2019. Kanjaoui is passionate about promoting confidence, empowerment, and education for all, especially young girls. She believes that education is key to empowering oneself, and she hopes to use her platform to advocate for educational opportunities for all.
Caoimhe Kenny
Caoimhe Kenny is a 23-year-old fashion buyer from Blackrock, County Louth, who works as a buyer for Brown Thomas Arnotts. She is a passionate advocate for Save Our Homeless Dundalk and is a professional dancer. Kenny is a strong believer in using her platform to make a positive impact on the world and hopes to inspire others to give back to their communities.
Miss Universe: A Legacy of Empowerment
Aisha Akorede, the current Miss Universe Ireland, will crown her successor this Friday. Akorede has made waves during her reign, representing Ireland in El Salvador last year. She has been featured in news outlets across the globe, including CNN, for her incredible national costume, a handmade recycled creation from Claire Garvey Designs called Cliodhna, The Celtic Goddess of The Sea. Aishah Akorede is also a Law Graduate, and she is currently completing the Chartered Governance Qualification Programme. She also holds a Masters in International Corporate Governance with a Degree Plus Employability Award from Queens University Belfast. She also works as a Fashion Model, but her greatest passion is her work as founder of ‘Recrowned Ireland’: a social justice initiative aimed at helping women feel comfortable, confident and aware.
The Miss Universe Organization exists to advocate for a future forged by women - women with the courage to push the limits of what’s possible, who are curious enough to make world-shaking discoveries, and audacious enough to do this over and over. It’s a platform that celebrates diversity, inclusivity, and empowerment, and the finalists are ready to make their mark on the world.
The Future of Miss Universe Ireland
The Miss Universe Ireland competition is a celebration of the accomplishments and aspirations of women from all walks of life. It is a platform for women to use their voices to advocate for social change and make a difference in the world. With the removal of restrictions on age, marital status, and transgender status, the Miss Universe Organization has opened up the competition to a wider range of women, creating a more inclusive and representative competition.
The Miss Universe Ireland final is sure to be an exciting and memorable event. We wish all the finalists the best of luck as they compete for the coveted title and a chance to represent Ireland on the global stage.
